Dolphins Stock Report: Zach Sieler works without limitations
The Miami Dolphins began the first day of training camp with Zach Sieler gracing the practice the field with his presence, which is a positive considering he’s advocating for a contract extension that provides him a substantial raise.
Here’s a breakdown of what else happened in Day one of training camp.
Top Performers
▪ Receiver Erik Ezukanma: It has been so long since Ezukanma flashed in practice we almost forgotten that he has a rare combination of size and speed. But the Dolphins’ 2022 fourth-round pick showcased his athleticism during Wednesday’s 11-on-11 work, making two impressive catches that would have produced at least 20 yards each. Ezukanma will need to become a favorite of Zach Wilson and rookie quarterback Quinn Ewers if he intends to be elevated up from the practice squad, which is where he spent all of last season.
▪ Center Andrew Meyer: With starter Aaron Brewer sitting out Wednesday’s practice for undisclosed reasons, and backup Liam Eichenberg on the PUP list with an injury coach Mike McDaniel said might keep him sidelined until the regular season, Meyer is getting a major audition to remain on the 53-man roster, and he apparently held his own. The pocket wasn’t consistently collapsed, and Miami had no snapping mishaps on Day 1. The Dolphins kept the undrafted former UTEP standout on the 53-man roster all last season, but he didn’t get a single snap on offense as a rookie. With Daniel Brunskill’s signing, Meyer could be dislodged as the No. 3 center.
▪ Fullback Alec Ingold: The 2024 Pro Bowler caught a pass out the backfield from Tua Tagovailoa and took it 20 yards up field before a defender stopped him. Ingold has always been a pass-catching threat in this offense, but he’s extremely underutilized in that phase of the game.
STOCK UP
Sieler graced us with his presence on the practice field, which isn’t exactly a surprise considering he’s a lunch-pail type of player. But considering he sparingly participated in OTAs and minicamp as his agent pushes for a new contract, there was concern whether he would be a hold-in at the start of camp. He wasn’t. But there’s a chance Sieler can be doing exactly what Christian Wilkins did in 2023 when he was pushing for a multiyear extension. Wilkins worked without limitations for two weeks, then shut it down once the team began Week 3 of training camp, and didn’t return to practice until the week of the regular season because Miami and his camp never got a deal done.
STOCK DOWN
Some of the bigger runs of the day occurred while Zeek Biggers, the Dolphins 2025 seventh-round pick, was on the field. On two of those running plays it was noticeable that Biggers was moved out his gap. Considering he’s Miami’s biggest nose tackle, and the top backup for Benito Jones, this isn’t ideal. However, it’s common knowledge that nose tackle is one of the most difficult spots to learn as a young player.
Injury updates
▪ Bryan Matos: A second-year offensive tackle from the Dominican Republic who is part of the International Player Pathway program, was taken off the field by helicopter at the conclusion of Wednesday’s practice. He was strapped to a board on his back before being airlifted to a local hospital. He’s in stable condition.
▪ James Daniels, who is expected to be one of Miami’s starting guards was pulled an hour into practice, replaced by his backups during the second 11-on-11 period. Daniels did sprints while the first team was working.
▪ Center Aaron Brewer did not work during Wednesday’s practice, but came out to the practice 30 minutes into the session after seemingly concluding a workout, or rehab assignment.
▪ Cornerback Artie Burns left the practice early after slamming his helmet on the ground. He walked off on crutches after practice. The nature of the injury is unclear.
What they said
“We have a lot of experience on the front seven, and a lot of talent there. We pride ourselves in being dominant,” Dolphins inside linebacker Jordyn Brooks said about Miami’s defensive front, which benefits from the return of Bradley Chubb and Jaelan Phillips, who are each returning from knee injuries that kept them sidelined for all, or most of 2024.
This story was originally published July 23, 2025 at 12:43 PM.
